Under What Circumstances Can a Court Conduct a Competency Hearing

question 16

Multiple Choice

Under what circumstances can a court conduct a competency hearing on a child witness?

• A) When the court determines that compelling reasons exist
• B) When the prosecutor requests a hearing
• C) When the defense requests a hearing
• D) At its sole discretion

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Definitions:

Thalamus

A small structure within the brain that serves as a relay station for information coming into the brain, regulating consciousness, sleep, and sensory interpretation.

Hypothalamus

A region of the brain that plays a crucial role in many essential functions, including hormone production, temperature regulation, and maintaining homeostasis.

Red Nucleus

A structure located in the brainstem involved in motor coordination, especially fine movements of the limbs.

Superior Colliculi

Superior Colliculi are structures in the midbrain involved in visual and auditory processing, as well as the coordination of eye and head movements.